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Water Works Theatre

Dear Friends:

Thank you for enjoying Shakespeare Royal Oak 2018! Whether you purchased tickets to Much Ado About Nothing or The Comedy of Terrible Errors, had a student in our youth education program, attended the Lebowski Bash fundraiser, or supported us in other ways, we are most grateful. Water Works Theatre is a local independent non-profit arts organization with a rare mission: we offer affordable professional outdoor theatre close to home.

For eighteen summers we’ve made the magic of Shakespeare come alive, creating a high-quality affordable cultural experience for everyone in the family. You can support us again by clicking the button below to make a taxable deductible donation.

We also tried something new this year with a QR code and electronic survey. Your input important to us, so if you did not fill out the survey at the show you attended, please click here to share your thoughts.

Thank you again for being a part of the magic in the park! We look forward to seeing you next year!

Ed Nahhat
Founder and President
Water Works Theatre Company is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit company

This Season

Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, directed by Gillian Eaton appeared in Starr Jaycee Park July 26 – August 5 with performances at 8:00pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and a 5:00pm performance on Sundays.

The Comedy of Terrible Errors

World Premiere of The Comedy of Terrible Errors by Don Zolidis was the daylight presentation for the festival, and appeared July 28 – August 4 with Tuesday and Wednesday performances at 7:00pm, and Saturday performances at 4:00pm.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Water Works Teen Ensemble returned to the festival for its seventh summer. The original two-week outdoor creative experience for high school students provides an opportunity for the participants to cast, direct, and present a complete performance of a Shakespeare play. This summer, the ensemble presented A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Starr Jaycee Park stage. Performances were at noon on Saturday, July 28; noon Sunday, July 29; and 7:00pm Monday, July 30.

Education

Water Works Theatre Company is pleased to announce that Patrick Hanley will take on the role of Director of Education for KidsAct! and Water Works Teen Ensemble. More >

Support

There are many ways to support Water Works Theatre Company. You can advertise in our program, volunteer your time or expertise, become a sponsor or make a financial donation. It all ensures that this community jewel continues. Find out how you can help >

About

Learn more about Water Works Theatre Company: our beginnings, our passion and our future. Tell me the story >

FAQs

Have questions about your Shakespeare Royal Oak experience? We have the answers. Get the FAQs >

Shakespeare Royal Oak 2018

Videos

Introducing Much Ado About Nothing

Introducing The Comedy of Terrible Errors

Ways to Support Water Works Theatre

Best Kept Secret

Some say Water Works is the area’s best kept cultural secret. But the truth is that since 2001 Water Works has presented the biggest and best outdoor professional Shakespeare festival in Michigan. We’re proud to say that we have inspired many other groups to pop up around the state, and we encourage their legacy. Yet we still offer your family the highest quality, affordable cultural experience anywhere. From our friendly atmosphere and first rate performances, to our top-notch education programs, we guarantee you will love your time in the park with us.

Help Us This Year

It’s all close to home in a beautiful park in two perfect midsummer weeks. But we need YOU to help keep the dream alive. Think about it: when you go to Stratford, see a Broadway play or even a touring show downtown, you will easily spend more than double Water Works’ ticket prices. Not to mention all the travel, dining and parking.

We’re asking you to help us make up the difference between what we charge our audience, and what it really takes to do it right.

Spread the Word!

Recommend us to your company for sponsorship

Bring a group to the show. Call 248.399.3727 if your group is ten (10) or more!

Advertise!

Volunteer!

Caught the bug? Water Works puts interns and community-minded volunteers to work and they enjoy the fun too. From marketing, signage, hospitality to ushering and even backstage jobs, we have it all. Let us know what area interests you, and we’ll find a fit! Just send us an e-mail and we’ll get back to you!

Sponsorship Opportunities

For two weeks in the park, Water Works expects to impact 3500+ patrons to our ticketed theatre events. Over 50 professional artists and teachers are employed, and 80 to 100 local families enjoy the excitement of our outdoor education programs. Each year we also offer growth opportunities for 6 interns beyond high school.

While Water Works collects audience feedback to measure satisfaction and assist us in our future programming decisions, we do not directly solicit age and address information from our patrons. Our experience since 2001 has shown us, however, that our audience is culturally diverse, generally with (or pursuing) higher education, geographically central to Royal Oak, with high awareness of the arts and appreciation for community quality of life issues. We see significant long term loyalty in our audiences, and in families in our education programs. For most of those who come to be entertained, to be educated, or to work at their craft here, Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak has become a valued annual tradition.

Share Water Works’ commitment to keeping professional Shakespeare in this community by financially sponsoring our production. Please contact Water Works Theatre Company at 248.399.3727 or email us for sponsorships of $500.00 or more. We want to make the most of your support. Thank you!